Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist- McTernan lab

The Francis Crick Institute; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biomedical research institute in London is offering a position for a Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist in the McTernan lab. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge supramolecular chemistry projects, leading research initiatives while collaborating closely with a dynamic team. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field, possess strong skills in organic synthesis, and demonstrate a history of impactful research publications. This full-time role offers competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Comprehensive pension scheme

24/7 mental health support

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• PhD in related field required.
• Expertise in organic synthesis at a high level is essential.
• Track record of impactful publications in refereed journals.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and develop specific research projects.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to the team.
• Contribute to research paper production and presentations.
• Lead and manage laboratory safety protocols.

Skills

Organic synthesis expertise

Supervision and education skills

Data presentation abilities

Pro-active laboratory safety management

Education

PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Job description

Salary for this Role

From £45,500 with benefits, subject to skills and experience

Job Title

Postdoctoral Project Research Scientist – McTernan lab

Reports to

Charlie McTernan [C]

Closing Date

02/Dec/2025 23.59 GMT

Job Description

Job Title: Postdoctoral Project Research – McTernan lab

Details of the role: You will be working as a postdoctoral researcher, reporting to Charlie McTernan, Group Leader. This is a full‑time, fixed‑term (15 month) position on Crick terms and conditions of employment. The application closing date is 2 December at 11:59 pm.

About Us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world‑class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, cutting‑edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high‑quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the Role

The McTernan Group is a synthetic chemistry group working in supramolecular and biological chemistry, and nanotechnology. We look at how we can apply Supramolecular Chemistry in biological settings.

We aim to apply recent breakthroughs in artificial molecular machines, high‑affinity host‑guest chemistry, and metal‑organic capsules, in biologically relevant settings. We work with rotaxanes, catenanes, macrocycles and capsules to synthesize functional architectures, creating de novo catalytic enzyme analogues, artificial cellular receptors, and targeted drug delivery vehicles. We also work to create supramolecular analogues of known therapeutic modalities. We work both in basic science and on translational applications.

Details of research projects currently being undertaken can be seen at mcternanresearchgroup.com.

The Project

This project is a translational and basic research project, looking to apply supramolecular chemistry to create mechanically interlocked peptides, with targeted applications in supramolecular drug delivery systems. You will synthesize bespoke peptides and macrocycles, then combine them to form mechanical bonds. You will conduct in‑cellulo tests and liaise with skilled colleagues on in‑vivo testing. You will also contribute to wider projects in the laboratory as your skills and interest dictate.

This is an exciting opportunity where you will be supported to develop new skills at the interface of chemistry with biology, with support from world‑leading Science and Technology Platform scientists.

There will be opportunities to work across the group, from advanced organic synthesis, host‑guest studies, peptide synthesis, antibody‑drug conjugate design, and lipid nanoparticle optimisation, to biological assays, managing contract research organisations, and liaising with the Biological Research Facility.

What You Will Be Doing

• Investigating research questions and developing specific research project(s) under guidance from Group Leader
• Providing specialist advice and guidance, sharing knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others
• Providing a significant contribution to the production of research papers for publication, presenting findings to group members and other internal and external audiences
• Developing ideas for generating research income, and presenting detailed research proposals
• Acting as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques
• Having a pro‑active approach to the management of health and safety protocols and playing a leading role within the group in ensuring compliance with safety policy
• Acting as a leader within the group, helping to maintain a collaborative, kind, and supportive research environment; helping group members to achieve their potential

About You

You will have:

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and/or Chemical Biology and/or Supramolecular Chemistry and/or Solid‑Phase Peptide Synthesis or related field
• Expertise in organic synthesis at a high level
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by impactful publications in refereed journals or submitted manuscripts
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
• Evidence of ability to supervise and educate junior co‑workers and to take part in joint projects
• Willingness to lead the organisation and management of the laboratory, assuming a share of group responsibilities, showing excellent organisational and leadership skills
• A pro‑active approach to management of laboratory safety

*Minimum requirements

About Working at the Crick

Our Values

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently.
• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.
• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident, Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and we’ll make reasonable adjustments if you need them – just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: [e-mail].

What Will You Receive?

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well‑being and development:

• Visas: Applicants for this role will be eligible for sponsorship to work in the UK
• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
• Health & Well‑being: 24/7 GP consultation services; occupational health services and mental health support programmes; eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
• Work‑Life Balance: Back‑up care for dependents; childcare support allowance; annual leave purchase options; Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
• Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme, and shopping discounts; subsidised on‑site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST MEET THE ESSENTIAL CRITERIA LISTED WITHIN THE ROLE PROFILE, TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION REVIEWED.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW THIS ADVERT AT ANY GIVEN TIME DUE TO THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.